Mechanisms for tool changers



Feb. 27, 1968 R, A. LEHMKUHL ETAL 3,370,345

MECHANISMS FOR TOOL CHANGERS I l Original Filed Sept. 19, 1962 9 Sheets-Sheet l @E 12 HI F 1,1 Y( 24 li ON//f/ g 1 4 f/ L MIMI lli l l mmm Ell i il EEE E "2; l., i 311', 2 E l Uhm l I v E il h' il! I E l #o t -lmlri 32 |l|| n f t L f lllll" jjylgg i Zio Il :cgb o v""|||\ wil" o MIP. I .n *1"* l (1.... E Y M I l l l l Y .I c A-- *mwli I 2.2 l, mi Wl X I ---:ile J I i l l i 'um 'l l l l m" Il INVENTORS Rase-r A. LEHMKUHL Rossnr E. REED Feb' 27, 1968 R. A. LEHMKUHI. ETAL 3,370,346

MECHANISMS FOR TOOL CHANGERS 9 Sheets-Sheet 2 Original Filed Sept. 19, 1962 ummm INVENTORS Rosen-r A. LeHMxua-L B ROBERT E. REED Feb. 27, 1968 R. A. LEHMKUHL ETAL MECHANISMS FOR TOOL CHANGERS Original Filed Sept. 19,

9 Sheets-Sheet 3 m. D m? E mMR H l WEE L1 Am ma EO BR Feb. 27, 1968 R. A. LEHMKUHL ETAL 3,370,345

MECHANISMS FOR TOOL CHANGERS Urignal Filed Sept. 19. 1962 9 Sheets-5heet 4 A' O WM T Irl,

K Y g3g 9" il INVENTOR Ld/u/um/ R. A, L EHMKUHL ETAL 3,370,346

Feb. 27, 196s MECHANISMS FOR TOOL CHANGERS 9 SheetsSheet 5 Original Filed Sept. 19, 1962 INVENTORS ROBERT A. LEHMKUHL Rosen-r E .REED

Feb. 27, 1968 R. A. LEHMKUHL ETAL 3,370,345

MECHANISMS FOR TOOL CHANGERS 9 Sheets-Sheet 6 Original Filed Sept. 19, 1962 L W MWD@ oue .Mg* ma .wr VME m... A ww @R ATTYS Feb. 27, 1968 R. A. L EHMKUHL ETAL 3,370,346

MECHANISMS FOR TOOL CHANGERS .original Filed sept. 193, 1962 9 sheets-sheet c" STEP 5 '54" VENTORS Rolen'r LEHMuuHL Rosen? E. Reso I mi M Feb. 27, 1968 R. A. LEHMKUHL ETAL 3,370,346

v Y MECHANISMS FOR TOOL CHANGERS original Filed SepLrlQ, 1962 9 sheets-sheet INVENTORS Rosen-r A. LeHMxm-n.

ATTYS.

Feb. 27, 1968 R. A. LEHMKUHL ETAL 3,370,346

MECHANISMS FOR TOOL CHANGERS Original Filed Sept. 19. 1962 9 Sheets-Sheet 9 m. @m es ew www wuv n l OvMn IIQSL n f WLF.v f IAWI ...me E o BR ,5.21m om amsm Yj d B Us En Uw e .lllrlllll ...u N. whs, G35 .E523 20:50u H Stn and Arrvs.

United States Patent O 4 claims. (c1. za-sss) ABSTRACT F THE DISCLGSURE A tool storage magazine latch mechainsm for tools. A spring biased shaft is engageable with the downwardly turned lip on the flange of a tool and is movable to release the tool by a tool transfer shuttle which carries the tool to the spindle of a machine tool.

This is a division of application Ser. No. 224,626, tiled Sept. 19, 1962, entitled, Mechanisms for Tool Changers.

This invention relates to machine tools and more particularly to machine tools with automatic tool changing apparatus.

The present invention is particularly but not exclusively applicable to an upright, vertical spindle, high-produc tion drilling machine tool with automatic tool changer apparatus suited for high production having a very rapid operating cycle including tool change cycle with high capacity storage for tools and ready access to any tool. To this end the apparatus is arranged with dual matrixes located straddling the vertical spindle and spaced substantially equally therefrom on either side, and dual shuttles for transferring tools between the matrixes and the machine tool spindle with simultaneous operation of the shuttles to speed up the tool change cycle.

The present inventionv is directed to mechanisms for securing individual tools in the apparatus. One object of the invention is to provide means for securing or latching the individual tools in the storage matrixes. Such means are suited for operation with tool transfer shuttles, to receive tools from such shuttles upon relative movement between such shuttles, storage matrixes, and machine tool spindle.

A further more specific object is to provide an improved latch for securing individual tools in the storage matrixes, which will be operable to receive tools from the tool transfer shuttles, and will be actuated to release a tool by means on such shuttles and thereby permit transfer of such tools from the matrix by shuttles or equivalent tool transfer apparatus.

Other objects will appear from the following description taken in connection with the accompanying draw.

ings, wherein:

FIGURE 1 is a front perspective view of a drilling machine tool with tool changer apparatus, constructed in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a fragmentary horizontal plan view taken substantially in the plane of lines 2 2 in FIG. 1, to show the dual matrix and shuttles;

FIG. 3 is a fragmentary elevational view of the shuttle mechanism for one matrix and support for the shutlte, taken substantially in the plane of lines 3--3 in FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a vertical sectional view of one matrix and drive;

FIG. 4A is a fragmentary front perspective showing the matrix housing which is broken away in FIG, 1;

FIG. 5 is an enlarged fragmentary side elevational view of the shuttle and track taken substantially in the plane of lines 5 5 in FIG. 2;

"ice

FIG. 5A is an enlarged fragmentary sectional view of the latch mechanism;

FIG. 6 is a fragmentary bottom plan view of the shuttle and track as shown in FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional view of the air actuator for the tool gripping elements on the shuttle, taken substantially in the plane of lines 7-7 in FIG. 5;

FIG. 7A is an enlarged fragmentary perspective view looking at the end of the gripping elements forming one arm;

FIG. 7B is an enlarged fragmentary sectional view to show the connection from the air actuator to the gripping elements;

FIG. 8 is an elevational view of the end of the spindle;

FIG. 9 is a fragmentary longitudinal sectional view of the upper end of the spindle and spindle chuck actuator;

FIG. 1() is a fragmentary longitudinal sectional view of the lower end of the spindle illustrating the spindle chuck;

FIG. l1 is a stop-motion view illustrating the operation of the tool gripping elements ou the shuttle;

FIG. 11A is a stop-motion View also illustrating the operation of the tool gripping elements;

FIG. 12 is a diagrammatic view illustrating the tool change cycle sequence, and

FIG. 13 is a schematic illustration of a hydraulic control circuit for the tool changer apparatus.

While the invention is susceptible of various modifications and alternative constructions, a preferred embodi` ment thereof has been shown in the drawings and will be described below in detail. It should be understood, however, that there is no intention to limit the invention to the specific form disclosed, but, on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, alternative constructions and equivalents falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as expressed in the appended claims.

GENERAL MACHINE ORGANIZATION Referring to the drawings, the invention is illustrated in the form of an upright drilling machine with tool changer apparatus. As shown more particularly in FIG. 1, the machine tool comprises an upright column 1t) fashioned with vertical ways 12 slidably supporting a headstock 14 having a vertically movable spindle 16, and a bed 18 for slidably supporting a table 20 on which a workpiece is adapted to be carried for machining purposes. The work table 20 is slidably supported for horizontal movement on a saddle 22 to move the workpiece and thereby achieve relative motion between a cutting tool in the spindle 16 and workpiece on the table in the conventional Y direction. The saddle 22 is movable longitudinally to move the table 26 and thereby the workpiece and spindle mounted cutting tool relative to each other in the conventional X direction. Table and saddle herein shown in FIG. 10 as including a rack 26. Such` table, saddle and spindle feed drives may be numerically controlled from a suitable source of programmed data to provide three axis control of relative workpiece and cutting tool position.

In addition to the foregoing components of a conventional drilling machine tool, the machine tool of the present invention includes storage means for tools which are adapted to be received in the spindle and tool changing means for transferring such tools between the storage means and the spindle. Still referring to FIG. l, storage oftools is achieved ina unique and particularly advantageous way that contemplates simultaneous transfer of .able -headstock'14- Each matrix (30 or 32) 'is rotatable about a vertical axis spaced a substantial distance to the side of the axis of the spindle 16. Also referring to FIG. 2,

such matrixes, in keeping with the invention, each dene an annular ring of individual tool suppo-rt elements (30-1 to 30-N and 32-1 to 32-N). Power means are provided as shown inFIG. 4 to rotate the annular matrixes 30 or 32 during a search step under manual or automatic control tor position the individual tool support elements successively adjacent a tool transfer station, and to stop the matrixwith a selected tool at such station wherebyV the selected toolmay be transferred from matrix to spindle.

For transfer of tools between each matrix and the spindle, means are provided in the form of a horizontally movable shuttle 34 or 36 having means for holding atool d uring the transfer operation. With separate matrixes each having a shuttle, it becomes possible to control thetool changecycle so that one shuttle returns the old tool from the spindle to one matrix, while the other. shuttle Atransfers a. selected tool from the` other matrix to vthe spindle. A morerapid tool change cycle becomes possible utilizing the same, time period for transfer of a new tool to the spindle as for return of the old tool froml thek spindleIO the other matrix. It will be appreciated that this machine tool is adapted for numerically controlled operation, and thatfthe steps of tool search, tool return and newtool transfer may be programmedl steps in such voperation aS portions inkanygsequence of the tool change cycle, although the invention is not restricted to such an operating mode and is equally applicable `to manually controlled machine tools. DUAL MATRIXES vReferring more particularly to the matrixes 30 and 32 for tool storage,` such are substantially identical in construction except for being of opposite hand, and the following description of the left-hand matrix 30 (as viewed in FIG. l) is thus also applicable to the right-hand matrix 32. The matrixes are supported on either side of theheadstock14 byv horizontally projecting housings 38,40 respectively. As shown in FIG. 4, the matrix housing 38 supports a vertical, lrotary matrix spindle 4 2 having an end portion projecting downwardly below the housing on whichran annular matrix drum 44 is fixed. Each such drum is formed in the present case in a manner to provide a light yet rigid structure for carrying a large number of tools, by securing as by welding a circular rimV 46 around a pair ofspacedannular plates 48, 50. The upper edge of the rim 46 projects upwardly of the top Aannular plate- 50, and with a circular collar 52 also fixed to the top plate SQ, serves as means for carrying a at ring 54 on which individual tool `support elements 30-1 to 30-N are arrangedequally spaced around the outside of Vthe matrix drum 44. Y n n At the center of each matrix drum 44 a bushing 56 is fixed theretoby any suitable meansrand tothe projecting end of the matrix spindle 42. The end of the spindle 42 is threaded to receive ,a nut 58 which retains the bushing and drum from dropping off thespindle. Each drum and spindlearerotatable by meansherein shown as a gear drive 60 mounted within the respective housing and connected to a hydraulic index motor 62. A releasable` connection such as that afforded by armultiple disc electric clutch 64 between the motor and pinion shaft 66 serves to connect the motor to rotate the. mtrXt A Oniiiious indication of position of the matrix is afforded for controlV purposes by means such as a signal generator orrresolver 68 also Vsupported in the housing and connected to the matrix spindle 42 through gears 70.

Turning also to FIGS. 2 andr4, for further details of the matrix equipped tool support elements, it will be seen such elements 130-1 to 30-N are carried by a at ring 54 and extend outwardly thereof tov support the tools. Each tool support elementA is in the Aform of a forked or Cf shaped body 71 providing a pair of -radially outwardlyVV extending fingers 72 which t on either'side of the shank of a tool to support the tool from the matrix.

TooL ADAPTORA One of the features of theY present invention revolves about the provision Vof a simple and fool-proof mechanism for gripping each tool while in the matrix and duringthe transfer ope-ration by a shuttle. This mechanism involves a radially projecting flange 73 on the shank ofV the tool assembly,.herein shown as provided by a tool adaptor A furnished for.y each` tool; The tooladaptor A also provides a tapered shank 74 adapted to be received in the socket of the machine tool spindle 16. The taper of the shank 74 is ,preferred to be of the standard milling machine or non-sticking type to permit readyiusertion and extraction of the adaptor in the machine tool spindle. Referring briefly to FIG. l0, which illustrates the lowerend of the spindle 16, the shank 74 of each adaptor A is provided with an annular V-shaped ridge 76 whichk isadapted to cooperate with radially inwardly movable jaws 78-1 to 78-4 of a power chuck 80 in the spindle 16, the detailsv of which are set forth in a later section. For present purposes, itis sufricient to note that adjacent the open end of the spindle 16 foursuch jaws 7841 to 78-4 are mountedinradial slots 82-1 to 82-4. The inner facing ends of the jawsare formed with V-shaped notches 84 which are adapted to receive the annular V-shaped ridge 76 of a tool carryingradaptor A. Such jaws 78-1 to 78-4 are power `actuated inwardly; to engage kthe, sloping f orward surfaceV 82' of .thenotches 82 in the jaws vwith the mating surface of theridge 76 so that upon suchinward movement of the jaws under power the tool adaptor A is forcedv by the resulting Ycam action between the mating inclinedv surfaces to seat the tapered shank 74 in the spindle socket, j

Each tool adaptor A is Yalso formed with a multiple tooth/externalv clutch 86 immediately behind the flange 73. The external teeth of this clutch 86 are ,spaced to engage with mating internal teeth Vof `a spline 88 (FIG. 10)

formed on the end ofthe tool spindlelto serve as aV positive driving connection between the tool adaptor A andthe spindle. In inserting a tool adaptor Ak into the inserted far enough into the spindle 16 to-place the ridge 7.6 ons-the shank opposite the notches 84 in the chuck jaws 78 whereupon the latter upon being power actuated l seat the adaptor solidly in the spindle and lock it in place.

. In addition to the features cooperating with means on the spindle 16V, each adaptor A is also formed with a circular projecting ange 73, the underside of which (as viewed in FIG. 5)V is grooved to provide a downwardly r projecting latching lip .90. Such latching lip 90 cooperates with means on the matrix 30 or 32 associated'with each tool support element for latching a -tool in place against accidental removal.

g LATCH I atchin'g the to'ols in the matrix is achieved in the present instance, with a latch mechanism 92 mounted on eachV tool support elementl of both matrixes. To receive the latch mechanism as shown in FIG. 3 which is a view lookj ing at t'he'back .of the shuttle, track and tool support elements as seen from inside the matrix, the back of the body portion 71 of each tool support element Vis vcrit or notched out and the latch 92 is supported within the cavity 94 thus provided below a retainer plate 96 which extends across the upper exposed end of the cavity 94 being fastened to the body of the support element by spaced machine screws 96'. The latch 92 referring also to the detail view of FIG. A, illustratively includes a finger 98 having a forwardly and upwardly projecting hook 98', as seen in FIGS. 5 and 5A. Such finger 9S is fixed to a shaft 102 which is slidably supported for vertical movement in aligned bores in the retainer plate 96 and matrix ring 54. A spring 134 trapped between the latch finger 9S and the matr'ur ring S4 tends to lift the latch finger to an upward closed position, in which position it is shown in FIGS. 5 and 5A. The hook 98" on the latch finger 98 in combination with the underside of the retainer plate 96 forms a recess into which the latching lip 90 on an adaptor flange 73 may easily enter. The latch finger 98 presents a sloping cam surface 98 which is engaged by the entering-adaptor flange 73 to move the fingers downward and facilitate such entry. With the latch finger 98 spring-biased to closed position the lip 90 and hook 98 cooperate to secure the adaptor A within the fingers 72 of the tool support element, the flange 73 on such adaptor resting on the fingers to support the tool. Release of the tool assembly is achieved by moving the latch shaft 162 downwardly and for the purpose of actuating this shaft, the upper end 136 thereof is beveled and extends above the fixed retainer plate 96 where it may beV engaged and forced downwardly by a suitable cam 108, which in the present case is mounted on the tool shuttle.

MATRIX POSITIONING (AT TOOL TRANSFER STATION) For support of the shuttles 34, 36 for horizontal movernent between the matrixes 30, 32 and the tool spindle 16, a track 110, 112 is fixed above each matrix to the headstock. Referring particularly to the left-hand matrix 39 shown in FIG. 3, the track 110 extends substantially radially of the matrix 30 from a position toward the center thereof outwardly past the ring of the tool supports toward the spindle. The tool transfer shuttle 34 takes a tool which the matrix has rotated to a position under the track 110, at the tool transfer station, from such station to the spindle. The tool supports 32-1 to 32-N are nurnbered consecutively, for example, each matrix as shown has twenty tool support elements such that twenty tools may be supported thereon. A tool support on the matrix 30 is moved (by rotating the matrix via its power drive) to approximate vertical alignment with the shuttle track 110 to position the tool for transfer. A convenient and novel means for obtaining final accurate alignment of the matrix with a tool carried by a tool support thereof at the tool transfer station or position is provided in the present case by means on the shuttle which as an incident to its movement past a tool at approximate transfer position or station engages and cooperates with means on the matrix 30 to move the matrix into final alignment. How this is achieved may be seen by referring to FIG. 2. Adjacent the backside of the tool supports 36-1 to 3ft-N are pairs of upwardly extending rollers 114-1 to 114-N which are carried by the matrix ring 54. The front end ofthe shuttle 34 is provided at each side with a tapered projection 118, 120 which presents inwardly facing inclined stop surfaces 118', 12" and outwardly opposed cam surfaces 118, 120". The inwardly facing stop surfaces 11S', 126' are adapted to engage the flange 73 of an adaptor A of a tool in a tool support of the matrix at the transfer station, as the shuttle moves along the track from its position inward of the periphery of the matrix, toward the transfer station to pick up such tool. The outwardly opposed cam surfaces 118, 120 are adapted to engage single rollers 114-1, 114-3 of the roller pairs associated with the adjacent tool supports 30-1, 30-3 respectively, as an incident to shuttle movement. It will be seen from FIG. 2 that the outwardly opposed cam surfaces upon en- 6 gagement with such rollers 114-1, 114-3 will turn the matrix through a small angle which is free to rotate to a final aligned position. Furthermore, the outside surfaces 122, 124 of the shuttle serve as a shot pin to maintain accurate alignment and to lock the matrix in the selected tool transfer position while the shuttle moves forwardly from the tool transfer station toward the spindle. While other arrangements may be suitable, as seen in FIG. 2, it is preferred to allow a little clearance between the inner sides of the shuttle and the inner rollers 114-2 to avoid interference and to guide on the outer set of rollers made up of one roller from each adjacent pair 114-1 and 114-3. The length of the shuttle is such that the guide surfaces thereof will overtravel the rollers when the shuttle is in its forward position carrying a tool under the spindle. In this forward position, the tool support blocks 71 on the matrix interlit with the inside surfaces 122', 124' of the shuttle sides to prevent the matrix from drifting out of position.

TOOL TRANSFER SHUTTLES With either matrix 3), 32 positioned with a new or sele-cted tool at the respective transfer station, a tool transfer means is operable to pick up a tool at such transfer station and move it toward the spindle 1o. The present invention provides for this purpose the linearly movable tool shuttles 34, 36. Such shuttles are supported by and movable along a fixed track 116, 112 which at the spindle end of the track is secured to the underside of the headstock by means such as screws 126 and at the other end is secured to the side of an arm 127 by means such as a bracket 12S. This bracket 128 affords adjustment of the end of the track 11i) so that it may be aligned between the vertical axis of the tool spindle 16 and the axis of the matrix. It is well to keep in mind that While this description is directed toward the left-hand matrix 30, the left-hand shuttle 34, and its track 110, the right-hand matrix 32, shuttle 36 and track 112 therefor are similar and the description applies equally.

Each shuttle 34, 36 is formed of a pair of side plates 130, 132 (FIG. 6) which are suspended from rollers 134-1 to 134-4 carried on the top of such side plates 130, 132 on the'inner facing surfaces thereof and located to roll along the upper marginal edges of the track 11%. Such vertically extending side plates 130, 132 are connected a substantial distance below the track by a horizontal member 136 spanning such plates, with a portion of such side plates extending below the spanning member to engage the rollers 11d-1, 114-2, 114-3 on the matrix flange and to straddle the tool support 35i-2 at the transfer station while the spanning member 136 which is raised clears such tool support.

To retain the shuttle 34 on the track 113 and limit vertical play thereof, a pair of rollers 138-1, 13d-2 one on the inner surface of each side plate 13G, 132 are positioned to directly engage the undersurface of the margins of the track 119, and such rollers are provided with eccentric adjustment so that they may be moved into firm abutment with the track and held in such abutting position to eliminate vertical play and thereby retain the shuttle so that it moves smoothly without jumping action along the track.

To move the shuttle, power means are provided, herein shown as a hydraulic cylinder 14) the body of which is fixed adjacent the underside of the track 110. The piston rod 142 of the cylinder 140 is attached to a driving yoke 144 which rotatably supports a pinion gear 146. The upper surface of the yoke 144 is longitudinally slotted to receive a downwardly facing rack 148 which meshes with the pinion 145 and is -fixed to the track so that the sides of this rack 143 serve as a guide for the yoke 144 in its longitudinal movement under power from the cylinder 149. The pinion 146 also meshes with an upwardly facing rack 15G fixed to the shuttle 34, such that longitudinal movement of the yoke 144 under power along the fixed rack snUrrLr. Toor. Garprnns In order to hold a tool during the transfer operation of a tool Vchange cycle, each shuttle isprovided with means for Vgripping a tool by means of its adaptor A`- It will be recalled that the tool adaptors A are provided with a projecting flange 73. In keeping with the present invention, the gripping means on the shuttle includes as shown 1n FIGS; 2 and 5 spaced gripping arms 154 which are located to straddle this flange 73 on a tool adaptor A and to grip the tool adaptor by means of the flange. This will be more readily observed in connection with FIGS. 5 and 6 which illustrate that the shuttle 34 has gripping means herein shown as a pair of forwardly projecting arms 154 which as appears inV FIGS. 2 and 5 will straddle the adaptor A of a tool carried by a matrix tool support Sil-2.

In keeping with the present invention, the gripping means on the shuttle 34 is operable to engage or to release the adaptor A of a tool upon relative movement between the shuttle and the adaptor in either of two `directions: 1) radially of a tool adaptor or (2) axially of a tool adaptor. This is achieved in the present case by forming each arm 15,4 which extends forwardly from the shuttle of two elements 154-1, 154-2 which extend horizontally and are arranged one on top of the other, and wherein one of such elements is more flexible than the other. The arms 154 formed by these elements while projecting forwardly of the shuttle 34 also have portions which extend along the sides of the shuttle, the outer surfaces of theA side of the shuttle side plates having longitudinally outwardly facing recesses 155 to receive such elements.

Y While both gripping elements forming each arm 154 are flexible, the lower gripping element 154-1 is made rather slender and more limber so that the set of such opposite elements 154-1 may he forced apart by power a substantial distance and returned from such position by the inherent flexibilityV of the elements in order to engage and release the ange 73 on a tool adaptor A in cooperation with the companion, relatively more rigid, less ilexible upper set of gripping elements 154-2. This is shown by FIG. 11 which is a stop motion View illustrating theV operation of the arms. It will be seen also from this View that the upper set of elements 154-2 is suiciently flexible to be urged apart mechanically, as in the course of movement of the shuttle toward'the tool transfer station, to pick up the tool. For spreading the upper elements upon mechanical engagement with the adaptor flange 73, as shown in FIG. 7A each such element 154-2 has a camming surface 156 leading toward the tip which upon engagement with the curved flange 73 of an adaptor, cams such upper elements apart so as to slide around such ange. The lower set of gripping elements 154-1 are shown in an inner closed position in FIG. 7A, and in this position provide a seat 157 on which the flange 73 of an adaptor rests after the upper elements have slid around the flange. From FIG. 7A it will also be clear that the elements of each arm together dene an opening at the tip of the arms in which the flange of an adaptor will be guided both vertically and horizontally by alignment bevels 156-1, 156-2, 156-3. As appears in FIGS. 5 and 7A, the upper elements 154-2 together define an opening having a smaller section 158 which is concentric with the shank of a tool adaptor A, and a larger diameter section 158-1 which conforms to the outer edge of the flange 73 on the adaptor A.

Referring to FIG. 7A and 11A, it will be observed that the lower elements 154-1 may be cammed apart by the vertical movement of the flange 73 in an adaptor to return a tool adaptor to the gripping arms of the shuttle. For this purpose the lower elements 154-1 together dene a surface 159 in the form of a frustrum of arclon'e with the larger section of the cam opening downwardly. Such elements 154-1 having a surface 159 inclined downwardly and outwardly are cammed outwardly upon en- -gagement with such surface of the ange of a tool adaptor A upon movement of the flange upwardly between such arms, as seen in FIG. 11A, upon upward movement of the adaptor A and tool by the spindle during the tool change cycle. ThisV is diagrammatically depicted as Step 4 of FIG. 12. g

It will thus be seen that both elements of each gripping arm 154 arev spread apart to pick up and release the" adaptor A of atool, and for this purpose are flexible.

Briefly reviewing the different steps ofthe tool change cycle where this lfeature is involved,V referring to FIG. nl1, it will be recalled that to start the tool transfer operation the shuttle 34 moves forwardly to pick up a tool in thek matrix 30 so as to carry the samerforward to the spindle 16 (Steps 1-4) and as an incident to such movement (Step 4) the shuttle releases the matrix latch mechanism 92 and substantially simultaneously will engagey thetool adaptor A. The upper tool gripper elements 154-2 will be spread apart (Steps 3, 4) sufficiently to slide around the adaptor so that the arm willstraddle the flange '773 of the tool adaptor A with the adaptor flange 73 resting on the seat 157 provided by the lower elements. Havingvreleased the matrix latch mechanism 92, the shuttle 34 is then free to move along the track 11@ to transfer the selected tool from the matrix 30 into a tudinal alignment with the spindle 16.

With dual matrixes 30, 32 and separate shuttles 34, 36 for transferring tools to and from the spindle1'6 and such matrixes, a wide variety of` different sequences may be carried out in a tool change cycle. FIG. 12, however,

illustrates a typical cycle which takes advantage of the separate matrixes and shuttles and utilizes such to permit a rapid tool change cycle. In this cycle in Steps 1 and 2, the tool is carried to position in axial alignment with the spindle V16, and the spindle 16 is moved downwardly so that the shank of the tool adaptor lA is received in the spindle socket. At this point in the cycle a power chuck is operated to secure the adaptor in the spindle.

Thereupon the lower set of gripping elements 154-1 are spread apart by power means, as depicted in Step 5 of FlG. ll, so that the spindle 16 may be moved downwardly to position the tool in cutting engagement with the workpiece.

SPINDLE PGWER CHUCK Now referring to FIGS. 9 and 1G, as mentioned Vabove the spindle is equipped with a power chuck thatserves to secure the tool adaptor A in the spindle. From the diagrammatic illustration in FIG. 12 of the operating cycle of the drilling machine tool, it will be clear that the shuttle 34 carries a selected tool element during the transfer phase of the tool change cycle,'to position in axial alignment with the spindle. The spindle isV then moved downi wardly to receive the tool adaptor, and in connection with this operation the power chuck is operated to seat the tool adaptor A solidly in the spindle socketv and to lock the adaptor in place. Cutting operations are carried lout by lowering the spindle 16 to engage the cutting tool with the workpiece, without withdrawing the shuttle, the gripper arms 154 on the shuttle 34 having clearance with the cylindrical outer surface of thespindle.

To this end, the spindle as shown in FIGS. 9 andrl() is rotatably mounted by bearings 172, 174 within a sleeve 176 which in.turn is translatably supported within the headstock 14 for axial projection therefrom. For a more detailed description of means for feeding and for rotating the spindle 16, reference may be made to copending application of Reichert and Lehmkuhl, Ser. No. 136,703, tiled Sept. 5, 1961, entitled Radial Drilling Machineand Counterbalance Therefor'. While the rotatable spindle 1e in said application is shown in connection with a position in longiradial drill, the drive and feed means for the spindle is generally applicable to the spindle in the present upright drilling machine tool. .In general, translation of the spindle 16 is achieved by means such as a rack and pinion drive, the rack 26 thereof being provided along an upper portion of the sleeve 176. Rotary drive of the spindle 16 within the sleeve 176 is achieved by gear means engaging external gear teeth 180 (FIG. 9) on an upper portion of the spindle.

Still referring to FGS. 9 and l() for details of the power chuck Sil for releasably securing a tool adaptor A in the tapered socket of the spindle, in the present case, the chuck 8@ is powered by compressed air supplied from a suitable source through a fitting 182 mounted at the upper end of the rotatable spindle 16, and a conduit 184 leading downward from the fitting 182 through the center of tbe spindle to the power chuck 80 at the lower end thereof leads compressed air via such fitting to the power chuck. Passages 186 in the lower end of the spindle connect the conduit 184 to an annular recess 18S which, with a sleeve 190 fitting over the spindle, forms a cylinder housing a chuck actuating piston 192. A drive plate 194 attached by pins 196 to the front end of the spindle and to the sleeve 190 closes the end of the recess 188.

Radial slots 198-1 to 198-4, four of which slots are shown in the drive plate 194, align with radial slots 199- 1 to 199-4 in the front end of the spindle 16. Chuck jaws 7 8 1 to 78-4 are slidably retained in the aligned slots for radial movement. To actuate the jaws 78 and force them inwardly an annular actuating piston 202 is -provided which carries four forwardly extending projections 202-1 to 202-4 which have inclined cam surfaces 20E-1 to 292-4 adapted to engage inclined surfaces on the jaws 78-1 to 78-4 and thereby provide a camming action to force such jaws radially inwardly. The inner ends of the jaws are formed with V-shaped notches 84, as mentioned hereinbefore, adapt to engage the annular V-shaped ridge 76 on the shank of each tool adaptor A. Upon being forced inwardly by the actuating piston 202, the jaws 78-1 to 78-4 via the forward inclined surfaces of the V- shaped notches 84 in the ends thereof engage the mating inclined surfaces on the V-shaped ridge 76 of the tool adaptor A to move the adaptor upwardly in the spindle socket to seat the adaptor and lock it therein.

In order to permit a tool adaptor A to be inserted into the spindle socket, and to be removed therefrom, means are provided to return the actuating piston 202 and thereby remove any actuating force from the jaws 78. Such return means are herein shown as springs 206 located between the pistons and driver plate. The jaws 78 are free to slide so that the latter will be cammed outwardly by direct engagement with the ridge 76 on a tool adaptor A, as for example upon downward movement of the spindle 16 toward an adaptor A positioned below the spindle, as diagrammatically depicted in Step 2 of FIG. 12. Similarly, upon raising the spindle 16 above an adaptor A held therebelow, as in Step 5 of FIG. 12, the jaws 78 will be pushed outwardly so as to permit separation of the spindle from the adaptor.

MACHINE TOOL OPERATING CYCLE Before turning to an illustration of a specific operating sequence of the machine tool including tool change cycle, it will be understood that a wide variety of different specic sequences may be followed to suit the machining steps involved, the particular tools, or to account for other factors. In general, however, it is to be noted that in accordance with the invention, dual matrixes 30, 32 are provided so that tools may be taken alternately from one and then the other matrix, shortening the overall period of the tool change cycle because different steps thereof may be carried out simultaneously using both shuttles 34, 36.

For example, as shown in FIG. 12, in Step 5 both shut- Still referring to FIG. 12, Step 1 shows the spindle 16 i fully retracted within the headstock 14 and the selected or new tool after being carried forward by the righthand shuttle to the spindle transfer position in axial alignment with the spindle.

Referring now to the stop motion view FIG. 11 Step l of this figure illustrates a shuttle (34 or 36) during an initial stage of its forward movement from a fully retracted position behind the tool transfer station of the associated matrix 30 or 32. As the shuttle advances under power, the projections 118, engage certain ones of the guide rollers 114-1, 114-2, 114-3 On the matrix and thereby accurately align the latter as an incident to the shuttle movement as shown in Step 1 and Step 2. Both sets of elements 154-1, 154-2 forming the gripping arm then engage tlie flange 73 of an adaptor A of a tool carried by the tool support (S0-N or 32-N) at the transfer station. Such engagement causes the arms 154 to spring apart, as shown in Step 3, until the inside surfaces 118', 120 on the projection or guide on the shuttle move into abutment with the flange and, as shown in Step 4, the arms return into embracing relation with the flange on the adaptor A. At this point in the forward advance of the shuttle the latch mechanism 92 on the tool support is released by the actuating cam 10S on the shuttle, thereby to release the adaptor A and tool to be carried forward to the spindle 16, as shown in Step 5.

To insert the tool adaptor A carrying the selected tool into the spindle socket, the spindle is lowered as shown in Step 2 of FIG. 12 by actuation of the spindle feed. When the spindle is in position to clamp the tool adaptor A, as shown in Step 2 of FIG. l2, the power chuck 80 is operated.

It will be appreciated that the construction of the gripper elements 154-1, 154-2 of the shuttle eliminates the necessity of operating such gripper elements by power means except for the immediately succeeding step involving release of the tool adaptor A for movement of the spindle downward toward the workpiece, shown as Step 3 in FIG. 12. The procedures of pick up of a tool adaptor at the tool transfer station by the shuttle and dropping off a tool adaptor at such station upon return of the shuttle is achieved Without power actuation of the gripper elements, but merely by mechanical actuation of such elements through engagement with the tool adaptor flange 73 as an incident to linear shuttle movement causing the elements to spring apart around the flange, as shown in FIG. 12.

Referring now to FIGS. 7, 7B and 12, to actuate the lower set of gripper elements 154-1 on each shuttle 34 or 36 to release the adaptor A for movement as in Step 3 of FIG. 12, means are provided on each shuttle herein shown las a pair of opposed air actuated pistons 210, 212. Such pistons are received in a horizontal cylinder 214 dened in the body of the respective shuttle and located a substantial distance above the gripping arms 154. Movement of each piston 210, 212 is conveyed to actuate one gripping element of the lower set 154-1 by a vertical rod 215, 215 which is journalled in a bore perpendicular to and intersecting with the recess 155 in the side of the shuttle that receives the associated gripping element. The rod 215, 216 has a relieved section 215', 216 adapted to clear the upper gripping element 154-2. It also has a cam section 215", 216" adapted to engage the lower gripping element 154-1 and move the same upon a rotation of the rod.

In the present case the rod 215, 216 is adapted to be oscillated through an angle of approximately 60 by the associated actuating piston 210, 212. Each piston is provided with a land 220, 222 which is received in a cut-out Ysection 224 of a ring xed to the motion transmitting rod 215, 216 to provide a connection which translates motion of the piston to oscillation of the rod.

Upon admission of pressure fluid between the pistons 210, 212, the latter will be forced outwardly thereby causing lower set of gripping arm elements 154-1 to be power spread as shown in FIG. 7B, and in broken lines in Step of FIG. 1l.

Accordingly, with the spindle lowered to position the Vcutting tool in engagement with the workpiece as shown in Step 3 of FIG. 12, the spindle drive is started to rotate the spindle to perform the cutting operation.

At the completion of such cutting operation, the spindle is retracted as shown in Step 4, FIG. 12. The lower set of gripper elements 154-1 are cammed apart (as shown in FIG. 11A) upon engagement by the ange 73 on the tool adaptor A with the conical camming surface defined between such lower set of elements, to snap the ange 73 through the bottom set of elements against the upper set of elements V154-2 and thereby lock the adaptor A within the gripping arms. With the left-hand shuttle 34 fully retracted vin Steps 1, 2 and 3 of FIG. 12, the left-hand matrix 30 may be searched Vfor a new tool, according to programmed dataV and under the direction of a numerical control system. The matrix during Vsuch search step will be rotated Vto position the tool support at the programmed location No.V

1 to No. 20, in the transfer station as shown in Step 4 of FIG. l2, with the vselected tool in the particular location ready for transfer by the left-hand shuttle tothe spindle. This is shown lin Step 5 of FIG. 12 which depicts the right-hand shuttle being retracted to return the old tool to the matrix, and the left-hand shuttle at its forwardmost position with the tool carried thereby in axial alignment with the spindle.

Referring now to FIG. 13, a diagrammatic illustration of a control circuit for the apparatus, an operation sequence will be briefly summarized. The machine tool is ready for automatic operation after the tape or'other record of programmed data is Vplaced in the control apparatus, and the tools required for a particular program ot machining operations are loaded in the matrixes. To insert tools in each matrix, access is provided to the tool supports Sii-N, 32-N thereof through the matrix cover 226 (FIG. 4A) which has a hinged portion 227 that may be swung away to provide an opening. To release the latch mechanism 92 of a tool support Sil-N positioned at the Y access opening, and thereby permit a tool to be removed from'such support, a lever 228 which projects through the cover 226 is provided, such lever being manually operable to move an actuator .229 down into engagenient with the upper end 106 of the latch shaft 102, to open the latch and release a tool adaptor A. With the old tool removed, anew tool may be placed into the tool support, and the matrix rotated manually or by power to position a different tool support adjacent the opening until Vboth m'atrixes have been loaded with the required tools.

Assuming that the tape calls for the tool change from the right-hand matrix 32 in a given operation sequence, the resolver l68R vthrough a suitable circuit energizes one or the other of a pair of rotary direction solenoids CS or CCS which via solenoid valves CSV or CCSV actuate the indexing motor `62R by connecting such indexing motor to a source S of pressure fluid to rotate the matrix 32,

clockwise or counterclockwise to move theselected tool toward the transfer station. This resolver GSR and circuit also energizes a rate solenoid RS until the matrix nears final position, whereupon the resolver 68R deenergizes the rate solenoid RS thereby forcing return iiuid from the indexing motor through the yreturn line RL to flow to the slow speed relief valve RV which is set to throttle the lreturn ilow to slow down the speed of rotation of the matrix 32. Control valves CV1 and CVZ provide means for adjustment vof fast matrix rotational speed.

When the selected tool Vreaches preferably approximately a degree or less of the desired positionV the resolver 6SR is satisfied and deenergizes the direction sole'- noid CS or CCS. The clutch 64R between the hydraulic indexing motor 62R for the right-hand matrix 32 is also energized from the resolver SSR during the Vperiod of rotation of the right-hand,matrix-.toward nalrposition to locate the selected tool atl the tool transfer station. With the matrix located within a degree or less of the desired position, and the spindle raised to actuate an upper limit switch LS1, the electric clutch 64K will be deenergized and the matrix will thus be free to rotate through the remaining angle to its final position as an incident to the movement of the shuttle toward the selected tool.

With the matrix approximately at its final position, the right-hand shuttle will be moved to engage in the transfer operation upon energization of the cylinder speed control solenoid CSCS for the right-hand shuttle. Energizing this solenoid CSCS causes the associated solenoid valve CSCV to connect fluid pressure from the source S to the power cylinder MGR for the right-hand shuttle, thereby moving the shuttle toward Vthe spindle 16. The shuttlel will pick up the selected tool at the tool transfer station and carry such tool into position in axial alignment with the spindle-16. As the shuttle reaches the end of its stroke,

a switch LS2 is tripped. Operation of the switch LS2` through the control circuit energizes the drive for lowerthe control circuit causes a power chuck solenoid valve PCSV to be actuated to connect the power vchuck of the spindle to a source of air under pressure. Actuation of the power chuck 80 will cause the tool adaptor A held by the right-hand shuttle to be clamped in the spindle. Through sequence valve means SVI or the like also connected to the air supply, air under pressure is conveyed viaa control valve GV to the actuating pistons 210, 212 for the lower set of gripping elements 1547-1 of the shuttle, thereby opening these elementsrallowing the spindle and tool to move down for the work cycle. A limit switch L84 also actuated by the spindle upon its downward movement will deenergize the solenoid GS, thereby deactuating the control valve GV and allowing the gripping elements to return to closed position. Y

After the work cycle is completed, the spindle 16 will move upwards upon actuation of the drive for elevating the spindle, and if a tool change is called for by the control system, the flange 73 on the adaptor A of the tool held in the spindle will be snapped through the bottom set of gripping elements 154-1 against the upper set of such elements 154-2. In this position one of the limit switches LS3 associated with the spindle will be tripped, actuating the power chuck solenoid valve thereby releasing the power chuck. The spindle will continue upward to trip the upper limit switch LS1'. With a tool change called for, the hydraulic connections to the righthand cylinder R will be reversed so asy to move the piston therein in the reverse direction and return the right-hand shuttle toward its matrix. This is achieved Vby deenergizing the cylinder speed control solenoid CSCS for the right-hand shuttle. At the same time, the cylinder speed control solenoid CSCSL for the left-hand shuttle will be energized to connect pressure fluid to the cylinder 140L so as to move the left-hand shuttle toward the spindle. With a tool change called for, thus, Vthe associated cylinder speed control solenoids CSCS and CSCSL will be deenergized and energized respectively to move the right-hand shuttle and the left-hand shuttle substantially simultaneously relative to the spindle and associated matrixes. The left-hand shuttle will proceed through a sequence to pick up a tool at the tool transfer station. This presupposes that with a tool change called for, the control circuit will have caused the left-hand matrix to move the selected tool to approximately the tool transfer station, whereupon the left-hand matrix will be finally aligned by the shuttle in the course of its movement toward the spindle.

The right-hand shuttle will return the old tool from the spindle to the right-hand matrix, placing it in the tool support at the tool transfer station.

The left-hand shuttle will position the new tool under the spindle 16, and the limit switch LSS associated with the left-hand shuttle will be tripped to cause the spindle to start its cycle of motion.

If machining is complete and no tool change is called for when the upper limit switch LS1 is actuated upon elevation of the spindle, the control circuit will cause the cycle of operation to terminate. With both cylinder control solenoids deenergized, the shuttle will retract depositing the last tool in the matrix. When no tool change is required such as when drilling repetitive holes of the same size the spindle does not elevate to its tool changing level, suitable limit switch means or the like being provided for control purposes.

While in the foregoing description a specific sequence has been described, a sequence similar to the sequence shown in FIG. 12, it will be readily understood that the present invention contemplates other particular sequences may be followed and it is possible to program the ma,- chine tool to select two or more tools successively from the same matrix rather than alternately from the separate matrixes, and to provide other variations as may be desired.

We claim:

1. In a machine tool having a matrix of tool supports each adapted to releasably support a tool having a radially projecting ange with an axially extending lip, a spindle, a tool transfer shuttle movable in a horizontal path between said spindle and said matrix and having means for holding a tool in a vertical position via said ange with the latter horizontal and said lip turned downward, the improvement comprising, latch mechanism mounted adjacent each matrix tool support and engageable with the flange on a tool received from said shuttle as an incident to movement of the latter toward said matrix to latch said tool in the respective tool support, said latch mechanism including means defining a slot for receiving a tool flange, said last-named means including a movable latch member in said slot and spring-biased upward to a position cooperating with the downwardly turned lip on the tool ange when the latter is inserted into said slot to latch said tool member, said latch member being movable by means on said shuttle downward against said spring-bias to free said lip and thereby unlatch said tool element.

2. In a machine tool having a vertically movable spindle, a pair of horizontal tool storage matrixes straddling the axis of said spindle and rotatable about vertical axes substantially equally spaced from said spindle, a plurality of tool supports arranged substantially in a ring to form each said matrix and adapted to be successiveiy positioned upon rotation 0f the respective matrix adjacent a tool transfer station spaced from said spindle, each said tool support being adapted to support a tool in a vertical position and having releasable latch mechanism engageable with a tool to releasably secure a tool therein, each said latch mechanism having a latch release projecting above the respective matrix and a tool transfer shuttle extending along a horizontal linear path above the respective matrix and aligned with said tool transfer station thereof and said spindle, each said shuttle having means for holding a tool received in a vertical position from a tool support at a tool transfer station upon movement of the shuttle past said station toward said spindle and means on each said shuttle operative as an incident to said movement thereof for actuating the latch release of said tool support to unlatch the tool for pick up by said shuttle.

3. In a machine tool having a spindle, a ring of tool supports forming a tool storage magazine for a plurality of tools, a tool transfer shuttle movable past said magazine between the latter and said spindle to change tools therebetween, latch means associated with each said support for releasably latching a tool therein, means on said shuttle operative as an incident to movement thereof past said magazine to engage and actuate said latch means to release a tool for pick up by said shuttle, and manual latch operating means carried adjacent said movable magazine and operable to actuate a latch mechanism of a tool support moved into operative position relative to said latch operating means upon rotation of said magazine.

4. In a machine -tool having a spindle, a ring of tool supports forming a tool storage magazine for a plurality of tools, a tool transfer shuttle movable past said magazine between the latter and said spindle to change tools therebetween, latch means associated with each said support for releasably latching a tool therein, means on said shuttle operative as an incident to movement thereof past said magazine to engage and actuate said latch means to rele ase a tool for pick up by said shuttle.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 413,245 l0/l889 Richmond 292-128 3,238,615 3/1966 Leone 29-568 RICHARD H. EANES, JR., Primary Examiner. 

